Art, science in the spotlight at the VIC

Paul Smith's College students, local creators display work

PAUL SMITHS, NY (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Art and science will meet at the Paul Smith's College VIC on April 24 and 25, when students exhibit work at a pair of events.

On Tuesday, April 24, students in the Integrated Natural Resource Management class will showcase collaborations with local artists and writers. The exhibit, "Emerging Patterns: Observing Change with Science and Art," will feature original artworks and readings inspired by ecological changes at the VIC. In addition to student works, local artists and writers including Sandra Hildreth, Cris Winters, Donna Foley, Ed Kanze and Roger Mitchell will have work on display.

Prof. Craig Milewski, who teaches the class, says the project is designed to link long-term ecological monitoring with long-term ecological reflections, and demonstrate how ecology and art can work together toward common goals.

The reception will open at 6 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display until Saturday, May 5.

On Wednesday, April 25, from 4-6 p.m., students from several classes in the college's School of Natural Resource Management and Ecology will host a mixer to share results from a wide range of work. Presentations will include work on the early detection of zebra mussels using DNA; the habitats of snowshoe hares and other animals; the development of two children's books on winter ecology; and more. Cookies and coffee will be served.

Prof. Celia Evans, who teaches ecology at Paul Smith's, said the students will benefit from synthesizing their research for presentation in public. Answering questions from people interested in the work makes its importance more concrete, she said.

The community benefits as well, Evans said, by having the opportunity to learn about projects happening here in the Adirondacks.

Both events are free and open to the public.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Our programs, in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences, draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.